Whether you stem from English, Scottish, Egyptian or Haitian heritage, each culture around the world embraces historical wedding traditions. Some of these traditions are sworn to ward off evil spirits while others bring fertility or wealth. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite “lucky charms,” sure to bring the “luck of the Irish” to you and your hubby-to-be on your wedding day and throughout your lifetime together.
This age-old saying asks brides to include items in their wedding attire to bring good luck. While “a silver sixpence in her shoe” has remained more common in old British custom, the four others are familiar to most weddings today. Something old represents continuity from generation to generation, and something new offers optimism and hope for a happy future. Something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness, and something blue stands for fidelity, love and good fortune.
Rain on your wedding day.
Rain represents many things in different cultures, most of which include fertility, cleansing, unity, renewal and tears. So when you hear thunder or see the first drop fall on your big day, keep in mind – rain is a sign of good luck! Just as the rain waters the ground and lends to fertility, rain on your wedding day is said to signify that you will have children. Since rain washes away dirt and impurities, it is said to “wash away” tough times and sadness from your past. Knots that become wet are extremely hard to untie, so when you “tie the knot” on a rainy day, your marriage is said to be just as hard to unravel!
Yikes! Finding a spider on your dream dress sounds like a wedding-day nightmare, but the English believed that it brought good fortune.
The groom carrying his bride across the threshold.
In Medieval Europe, many believed that a bride was most vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet. To avoid bringing these evil spirits into their new home, the groom carried the bride over the threshold. Oh, and did we mention that it’s super romantic?
The bride should step into the church with her right foot first to ensure good luck.
As our mamas always told us, put your best foot forward!
The bride walking down the aisle on her father’s left arm.
The bride crying on her wedding day.
